With the victory, Murphy becomes the fourth Massachusetts golfer to claim the title since its introduction in 1998. Past Bay State champions include Ed Fletcher, Joseph Monahan, III and Tom Martin.

Murphy entered the final round two strokes back of first-round leader Joe McDonald (Charles River CC - MA) and the two players found themselves neck and neck through the first nine holes on Wednesday. During that critical time, Murphy played his best golf as he made birdie on the 332 yard par 4 9th hole to make the turn at 1-under par 34. A birdie on the 314-yard Par 4 10th hole and then another on the 539-yard par 5 13th hole rocketed Murphy to the top of the leaderboard. Despite bogeys on the 16th and 17th holes, Murphy finished with a solid par on the 18th hole to seal the victory.

McDonald was unable to keep pace with Murphy as he posted a disappointing 6-over par 76 to finish with a two-day total of 5-over par 145 and in a tie for fifth place with Gene Ryzewicz (Connecticut G.C. - CT), the 2005 champion of this event.

Taking home sole possession of second place was Goryl. Goryl, the Wannamoisett Country Club member who competed in the 2005 Tri-State Matches for Team Rhode Island , began his final round with a bogey on the 1 st hole. Although he was able to make birdie on the 3rd and 8th holes, a bogey on the 6th hole and a double bogey on the 7th hole proved costly as he made the turn at 2-over par 37. On the back nine he carded one bogey and one birdie to finish at 2-over par 72 for the day.

Finishing in a tie for third place with John Esterbrook (Crotched Mt. GC - NH) and posting perhaps the most interesting round of the day was James Drohen (Crystal Springs GC - MA). En route to his score of 1-over par 71 for the day and 4-over par 144 for the tournament, Drohen carded seven birdies, three pars, six bogeys and one double bogey this afternoon. Esterbrook, meanwhile, saved his best golf for the final day as he tied Murphy's day-low score of 1-under par 69 courtesy of six birdies and five bogeys.

Capturing the top spot in the Super Seniors Division – which includes all competitors 65 years and older – was Rod Beebe (Quechee Club - VT), who clinched the top spot following a match of two-day totals with fellow competitor Stanley McFarland (Manchester CC - CT). Although both players posted final scores of 15-over par 155, it was Beebe who took home the crown with a second-day score of 6-over par 76, which was two strokes better than McFarland.

©2004 Massachusetts Golf Association.

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